Good Night --French Style
"Well, that was certainly nice tonight, wasn't it?" Ron asks, asks, eyebrows raised hopefully. He's having trouble finding something to do with his hands--alternating between clasping them in front or swinging at his sides.
"Yes. I liked it," I say. "Nice to relax and not think about school work or prefect duties."
Ron smiles. "Some other time then too. When we both need a break from school."
"If we spend so much time together, we'll need a break from each other."
He looks horror stricken. "I'll never get tired of you, Hermione! What a silly thing to say."
"It was a joke, Weasley," I say, smiling and--I don't know what possesses me--kissing his cheek.
Ron looks down at me, hand moving automatically to cover the spot. "You...You kissed me."
"Friends are allowed," I say matter-of-factly. "Goodness, in France, that's all they ever do. It's near impossible to tell who's family, friendly, or in a relationship."
"Do friends kiss each other good night?" He looks around as if expecting Harry to pop out from behind a column. "In France, I mean."
"I...I think so." My eyes narrow. "Why?"
"I just thought it would be a nice, friendly gesture if I kissed you good night, that's all."
I lick suddenly dry lips. "I...I suppose it would be alright."
"You could sound a little more enthusiastic, Mione."
"Fine!" I roll my eyes, reciting in an overly dramatic tone: "Oh, please, Ron, sweep me up in your arms and kiss me like there's no tomorrow!"
Ron mutters something that sounds suspiciously like "don't tempt me" before saying loud enough to hear: "Good night then, Mione. See you tomorrow."
I'm caught off guard when he kisses me, knees buckling (stupid knees), so that I truly do end up in Ron's arms. "Ron Weasley, you didn't tell me you were going to do that!" I breath, looking into his face.
He blushes. "I did too. It's a friendly good night kiss...French style."